More Top Stories
Solar power battery repairs ‘could take up to 12 months’
15 April 2024
Police shortage leads to drop in checkpoints
9 April 2024
Sarakura declared new Penrhyn MP
16 March 2024
Govt says $1.3m invested in Lady Samoa charter
22 February 2024
Mass milkfish die-off in Penrhyn raises concerns
3 April 2024
Regulator defends Starlink users
9 April 2024
Aitutaki’s heritage preserved in new anthology
4 January 2024
Avatiu Eels retain Nines title
8 January 2024
Beddoes crowned top athlete
8 January 2024
NRL player Dargan dies in Aitutaki motorcycle crash
24 December 2023
‘Please heed the signs’: resident makes plea to tourists
20 December 2023
Cook Islands set to play in new World Series
10 October 2023
Corruption report exposes ‘bribe and sexual favours’
17 January 2023
Corruption in the Cook Islands?
21 January 2023
Moana target 2025 World Cup
11 November 2022
Articles by Melina Etches
Kora showcases local gems at Airport Market Days event
Friday 26 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Tiare Kora, who takes care of her family’s “Kora Pearls” booth, is one of the 24 vendors at the Airport Market Days.
Airport Market Days draw crowds
Thursday 25 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
After the exhilarating Airport Runway experience on Tuesday afternoon, Airport Authority Cook Islands (AACI) got back into gear early yesterday morning for the official opening of their Market Days.
Long Service Awards honour courage and dedication
Wednesday 24 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Weekend
Honouring courage and dedication, three Airport Authority Rescue fire fighters were recognised with Long Service Gold Star awards (25+ years’ service).
Airport tour offers rare glimpse into Rarotonga’s travel hub
Tuesday 23 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, Local, National
In the lead up to next week’s 50th anniversary celebration of the Rarotonga International Airport, passengers on “Flight Bus Number 50” public tour broke into heartfelt island songs, cherishing the milestone moment of riding along the airport runway.
Apii Te Uki Ou students take off for new year with Airport Tour
Tuesday 23 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Senior students at Apii Te Uki Ou kicked off their 2024 academic year and first day back at school yesterday with a unique experience – a bus tour on the Rarotonga International Airport.
Embracing island life and education
Saturday 20 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Features, National, Weekend
New teachers from Aotearoa New Zealand, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea bring diverse experiences and enthusiasm to Cook Islands classrooms.
Past meets present at Johnson’s Photographic Studio exhibition
Saturday 20 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, Memory Lane, Weekend
The ‘Glimpse of the Past’ exhibition at the National Archives showcasing Johnson’s Photographic Studio images from the Cook Islands in the 1960s to 80s, sparks nostalgic memories for viewers.
Ministry of Justice seeks diaspora input on Cooks land law reform
Friday 19 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National, Parliament
Cook Islands is reforming its land laws and will hold public meetings in New Zealand, Australia, and Cook Islands to gather input from both residents and overseas Cook Islanders.
Vaka Marumaru Atua and Vaka Paikea find temporary home as Avarua gets makeover
Thursday 18 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Local, National
Vaka Marumaru Atua and Vaka Paikea have been relocated to the western seaside of Constitution Park to make way for developments for the Te Tau Papa o Avarua project.
People are not cooperating: To Tatou Vai
Wednesday 17 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Health, Local, National
Water levels in the Rarotonga catchments have quickly fallen again as the island hopes for more rain.
Who cares about locals?: Muri residents upset over delayed whale removal
Tuesday 16 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Environment, Local, National
Local residents in Muri have been concerned at the delay in the disposal of a whale carcass which was brought ashore last Friday morning.
New chapter unfolds for Bounty Bookshop
Tuesday 16 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Business, National
In the heart of Avarua, the iconic Bounty Bookshop and Pacific Supplies embarks on an exciting new chapter.
As a politician, you’re involved in drama everyday’: PM Brown
Saturday 13 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Features, Local, National, Weekend
The Kuki Cre8tive students were given the golden opportunity to interview Prime Minister Mark Brown, in his first official engagement for the year, and Pa Marie Ariki during their intensive three-day camp this week at the Pa Ariki Palace, which specialised in training for acting, dance, and camera work. Melina Etches reports.
Twelve new educators join Cook Islands schools and ministry
Saturday 13 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Te Maraurau o te Pae Api’i Cook Islands Ministry of Education has officially welcomed 12 new employees this week who will soon begin their roles in the islands.
Iconic photos to feature at ‘Glimpse of the Past’ exhibition
Friday 12 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, Memory Lane
Memories of the Cook Islands in the 1960s to 80s will be relived through ‘Glimpse of the Past’, a photographic exhibition and digital screening featuring the collection of Johnson’s Photographic Studio.
Cook Islands prepares for Festival of Pacific Arts 2024 with 100-strong delegation
Friday 12 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
Cultural experts Mark Short and his partner Jane Rubena will be leading the Cook Islands Performing Dance Troupe to the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) which will convene in Honolulu, Hawaii, from June 6 to 16 this year.
Kuki Cre8tive students grill PM Brown on flag and favourites
Friday 12 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Local, National
Kuki Cre8tive students were thrilled to have the opportunity to candidly interview Prime Minister Mark Brown yesterday, marking his first official appointment of the year.
New era for Manihiki: Fred Tangi Napara crowned Faingahitu Ariki
Thursday 11 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Features, National, Outer Islands, Weekend
A traditional ceremony in Manihiki has established a new Faingahitu Ariki, bringing an end to community disquiet surrounding the prestigious title.
Lights, camera, action! Young Cook Islanders craft TV show at creative camp
Thursday 11 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Eighteen youth from the ages of eight through to 16 have booked into an intensive three-day camp for performing arts, dance and film television production at the Pa Ariki Palace in Ngatangiia.
Local musical festival for Niue
Wednesday 10 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
The Niuean Cook Islands Community & Friends Inc. are gearing for an extravagant Live Local Music Festival tomorrow night Thursday 11 January, at 6pm at the Ngatangiia Matavera Clubhouse in Muri.
